Peter Crouch
Thursday, 17 January, 2008
His scoring ratio for England is still impressive after notching three goals in four starts during the year.
Peter Crouch
DOB 30.1.81
2007 Caps 8, Goals 3
Career Caps 24, Goals 14
Liverpool
Few can dispute that 2007 was a year when striker Peter Crouch further established himself on the international scene. The talismanic figure gradually came to the fore for England, and capped the year by scoring the equaliser against Croatia that almost booked a place in Euro 2008. Overall, he scored three times from his four starts in the year.
A peripheral figure in the squad earlier in the year, it is testament to Crouch's uncanny ability to score goals, and strong character that brought him back into the starting line-up. The faith was certainly not misplaced and, barring David Nugent’s goalscoring solo appearance, he had the best goals to starts ratio.
Crouch is also no stranger to hard graft. Often played as a lone striker, his long legs and stamina resulted in several tireless displays, chasing every ball and running defences ragged.
He appeared as a late substitute against Brazil, but it was in the game away to Estonia that he really announced himself, turning provider with an assist for Joe Cole's opener, and then powerfully heading home David Beckham's cross for the second.
His fondness for a Beckham cross continued in the friendly with Austria when he rose, timing his leap to perfection, to head in a corner from the left.
His finest moment of the year was possibly the bitter sweet equaliser against Croatia, and it is testament to Crouch's ability that a chipped cross to the edge of the area was converted into a goal. The run, chest control, concentration and composure, and finally the agility to volley sweetly into the bottom corner, were sublime; a striker of international quality.
"I feel I've played enough games for England to accept the responsibility if selected and I believe I'll do the business on the pitch." Peter Crouch
"His overall link-up play has been outstanding. Everyone [at Liverpool] is very impressed with him.” Jamie Carragher